Petah Tikva, Israel

Capital City

With a population of 244,300, Petah Tikva is Israel's fourth-largest city and a major industrial hub. However, the city's history is marked by recurring health crises - a malaria epidemic in the 1880s forced settlers to abandon their homes, and today it remains plagued by bureaucratic headaches. Petah Tikva's strategic location has also made it a target for terrorist attacks, including bombings and stabbings over the years. While the city boasts a thriving high-tech sector and cultural institutions, those seeking a quiet, trouble-free life may want to look elsewhere.